Posts Tagged ‘nursing’

SUNY Canton’s online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program recently earned its initial five-year accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The announcement was a result of a successful site visit by ACEN accreditors in February. The program was previously operating under ACEN candidacy status since its creation in 2009.

“The accreditation reaffirms that our program is the right choice for our students,” said Nursing Professor and Program Director Debra M. Backus, Ph.D. “We have an ideal learning environment for employed nurses looking to advance their education.”

Backus said the program is still accepting students for the fall 2014 semester. Those interested should contact SUNY Canton’s Office of admissions at 315-386-7123 or email admissions@canton.edu.

The online program creates a flexible learning environment that adapts to the lifestyle of working students. Graduates of the program have enhanced career opportunities and are often enrolled to seek higher-paid positions in their field. Almost all of the program’s graduates are pursuing master’s degrees, according to Nursing Professor Peggy LaFrance.

“Students are very impressed with the connections they make with our faculty members,” LaFrance said. “Their interactions help them gain insight into the larger perspective of the health care field.”

The program offers open enrollment for students who posses a valid United States nursing license and have earned an associate degree in nursing. Some of the students are nurses working at area hospitals including Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, Gouverneur Hospital, Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, Massena Memorial Hospital and Samaritan Medical Center. Another substantial population of students are from New York City and Long Island Hospitals.

The program was created in 2009 as one of a very few fully online two into four-year Nursing programs. In about four years it quadrupled its student enrollment and was recently ranked among the most affordable programs in the nation by SR Education group, an organization advocating for accessible higher education.

In addition to the Bachelor of Science Nursing program, SUNY Canton offers a one-year Practical Nursing certificate program and a two-year Associate of Applied Science Nursing program. Students who graduate from the two-year program often start their careers and begin working on their four-year degree.

The ACEN supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice and the public by providing a voluntary, self-regulatory process by which non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York’s premier college for career-driven bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as eight exclusively online bachelor’s degrees. The college’s 14 athletic teams compete as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.

Community members and alumni are invited to provide feedback on the College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

SUNY Canton will be hosting the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) for a site review of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program as it seeks initial accreditation.

The program was created in 2009 by creating an additional two years of coursework for the College’s signature two-year Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree. Students who graduate from the two-year program are able to secure employment and complete their bachelor’s degree.

“The bachelor’s degree program is an entirely online program that offers an open enrollment admission policy to qualified applicants,” said Nursing Professor Debra M. Backus, who oversees the four-year program. “In 2013, student enrollment has quadrupled to a record enrollment of 139 students.”

When the program was created, it was one of only a few fully online two-year into four-year nursing programs. It has been recognized as one of the most affordable programs in the nation, according to the university research company SR Education Group.

The program was previously operating with ACEN candidacy status. The goal of accreditation is to ensure that the education provided by SUNY Canton meets or exceeds acceptable levels of quality. The College will provide evidence of the effectiveness of its faculty members, curriculum and graduates to gain accreditation.

Those interested are invited to share their comments about the program at 4 p.m. on Feb. 19 in Cook Hall Conference Room 121. Written comments can be mailed to Dr. Sharon Tanner, Dr. Sharon Tanner, Chief Executive Officer, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, 3343 Peachtree Road NE Suite 850 Atlanta, GA, 30326, or via e-mail: sjtanner@acenursing.org. All written comments should be received by Feb. 10.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York’s premier College for career-driven bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The College delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management, and public service to students in the North Country, New York State, and beyond. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to their academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as eight exclusively online bachelor’s degrees. The College’s 14 athletic teams compete in state-of-the-art facilities as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.

A university research company, SR Education Group, has recognized SUNY Canton’s four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree as one of the most economical online programs in the nation.

The results for 2014 were released on the company’s website, www.onlineu.org. To be considered for inclusion, colleges are required to offer programs that are entirely online.

“We have long been innovators in online education,” said SUNY Canton Acting President Dr. Joseph C. Hoffman. “This recognition highlights SUNY Canton’s commitment to providing quality education and meeting industry employment demands, while ensuring that the program remains accessible and affordable.”

The four-year Nursing program, which was launched in 2009, was ranked 13th on the list. According to a statement released by the company, their mission is to highlight colleges’ affordability and quality and making access to online college information more transparent.

“Our main objective is to shift the discussion around higher education from prestige and selectivity to quality and affordability while empowering students to become better-informed consumers,” said Sung Rhee, chief executive officer of SR Education Group. “Skyrocketing college costs combined with the rising burden of student debt are compelling many American families to look for more affordable college education options.”

In addition to the four-year program, SUNY Canton also offers a one-year Practical Nursing certificate and a two-year associate degree in Nursing.

The ranking is the latest in a number of recent accolades for the College. Earlier this year, SUNY Canton earned a military-friendly school designation by G.I. Jobs Magazine and was chosen as one of the top 50 colleges in the country committed to saving the planet by the Online College Database. SUNY Canton also earned a spot in U.S. News and World Report’s 2014 list of best colleges in the Northeast.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York’s premier College for career-driven bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The College delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management, and public service to students in the North Country, New York State, and beyond. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to their academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as eight exclusively online bachelor’s degrees. The College’s 14 athletic teams compete in state-of-the-art facilities as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.

In support of Claxton-Hepburn’s next capital campaign, the SUNY Canton College Foundation has generously committed $25,000 in scholarship support to assist Claxton-Hepburn employees seeking a SUNY Canton Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. This scholarship was established to encourage CHMC employees to continue their education and pursue higher levels of training in order to provide the highest level of care to the community.

Each fall for five years, five Claxton-Hepburn employees will be selected through an application process for a $1,000 scholarship to help them with tuition and other applicable educational expenses while pursuing a two- or four-year nursing degree. David Ferris, Chief Nursing Officer at Claxton-Hepburn, who received his Nursing degree at SUNY Canton in 1984 and teaches in the program today, commented “We are fortunate to have SUNY Canton’s nursing programs in our community. This scholarship program is a wonderful opportunity for our staff and we are excited to work with SUNY Canton.”

Since 1902 when the A. Barton Hepburn Nursing School was founded, and later through work with SUNY Canton, Claxton-Hepburn has been committed throughout its history to high-quality local nursing education. Claxton-Hepburn provides clinical experiences for SUNY Canton nursing students, and later employs many of them. The medical center also has a tuition reimbursement program for employees who return to seek higher degrees while employed. Claxton-Hepburn’s long connection with the SUNY Canton Nursing program also includes the service of Linda Fay, Professor Emeriti of Nursing at SUNY Canton (1972-2005), who is on the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center and the Claxton-Hepburn Health System boards.

SUNY Canton offers a variety of career-driven bachelor’s degrees in addition to its associate and certificate programs. In the past year, the College added two new bachelor’s degrees and expanded its facilities with a new athletic center, nicknamed Roos House, and the Grasse River Suites Residence Hall. The College’s faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to their academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers flexible and convenient online courses and programs. The College’s 14 athletic teams compete as provisional members of the NCAA Division III as well as the USCAA.

A dedicated and decorated former nursing faculty member has been selected as the namesake of the SUNY Canton Honors Convocation.

“I am very pleased to announce that the 2010 Honors Convocation will be named for Professor Emerita Linda L. Fay,” said SUNY Canton Provost William R. Trumble. “She was recommended unanimously by the Recognition and Awards Committee for her illustrious service to the College and the greater North Country community.”

Distinguished Professor Emerita of Nursing Linda L. Fay was selected as the namesake of the 2010 Honors Convocation at SUNY Canton. Fay is pictured in the College’s state-of-the-art nursing lab.

The Linda L. Fay Honors Convocation will be held at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday, May 5, in the Richard W. Miller Campus Center’s Intramural Gym. More than 200 students will be receiving awards denoting their academic success, character development, and community involvement during the ceremony. The event is free and open to the public.

“This is a day about the students,” Fay said about Honors Convocation. “I’m honored to be able to share it with them.”

Fay began her career at the College in 1972 and was granted emeritus status after teaching nursing for more than three decades. She received the SUNY Canton Distinguished Faculty Award in 1995, the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1996 and the Chancellor’s Recognition Award for Outstanding Service to SUNY and the people of the North Country in 1998.

“Linda was an innovative and tireless teacher and program director who became an exemplary role model for faculty and students at SUNY Canton,” said John F. Conklin, the current director of the College’s Nursing program. “Her mission was to always leave things a little better than when she found them. She taught here for more than 30 years, and certainly made the College a better place.”

During her tenure, she served on many committees, wrote grants, and developed seven 15-week courses for the bachelor of science, nursing program implemented last year at the college.

At the request of colleagues, students, and alumni, the Linda Lahey Fay Nursing Award was established in 2003. It recognizes annually a senior graduate who best upholds the saying, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted,” which represents some of Fay’s personal mantras and beliefs.

After graduating from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1968, Fay worked at Metropolitan Hospital in New York City as head nurse of their pediatric tuberculosis unit and then became the nurse manager of intensive care. She earned her master’s degree in education from St. Lawrence University in 1979.

Fay is currently a Board of Director member for the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, CHMC Health Systems, the Canton Housing Authority and the Grasse River Heritage. She is the Director of Public Relations for SEM-Fund, a microfinance organization in Senegal, Africa, an officer in the Canton area Zonta Club and a cook for the Canton Free Will Meal program. She is a past member of the Canton Rescue Squad, was a professional program developer for the American Heart Association, item writer for the New York State Regents External Degree Program, and a volunteer with the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, St. Lawrence County Health Initiative, and Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.

She lives in Canton with her husband, Daniel G. Fay, who’s a professor in the School of Business and Liberal Arts. They have three children, Mrs. Steven (Kelley) Glasgow, Edward and John, and two grandchildren, Garret and Paige. She is considered the adoptive mother of Anywar Ricky Richard, the founder of Friends of Orphans, an organization that supports former child soldiers in Uganda, Africa. The Fays brought Richard to SUNY Canton as a guest speaker. His speech is widely remembered as one of the most poignant and informative lectures at the College.

10. Next Stop, Hollywood

Several SUNY Canton students were the stars of a media event promoting the DVD release of the movie Max Payne. Students and faculty from the Criminal Investigation staged a murder mystery scenario in New York City that stumped international television, magazine, and web-based journalists. » More

9. Roos House Breaks Ground

Many have been enthusiastically watching the rapid progress of the College’s new Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center. The “Roos House” is going up in leaps and bounds, alongside a complete renovation of Nevaldine Technology Center. The College also plans to add a new residence hall on campus in the near future. » More

8. Strong Awards

Assistant Professor Robert Strong, PhD., won a competitive William Randolph Hearst Foundation Research Fellowship and the Chancellor’s Award for Scholarship and Creative Activities for his book-in-progress “Bright Advent.” The award-winning author and poet penned a lyric history of King Phillip’s War including key events that led to the creation of America. » More

7. Nursing Options

Over the past year, SUNY Canton added a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a one-year Practical Nursing program. These programs were created to help meet the demand for more advanced trained nurses amidst a nation-wide professional health care shortage, and have built a full ladder curriculum for students to spend one, two, or four-years learning what they love. » More

6. Winterterm Becomes a Hot Item

Approximately 800 students took courses during the 2009-2010 Winterterm session. Enrollment increased nearly 60 percent from last year and is now five times as large as the 160 students who enrolled in the first Winterterm session four years ago. The semester between semesters has become a convenient and effective way for students to catch up or get ahead. » More

5. Coach Martin Keeps Winning

The American Hockey Coaches Association announced that former Hockey Coach Terry Martin was the 2009 recipient of the prestigious John “Snooks” Kelley Founders Award. Martin was the college’s head coach for 24 seasons (1974-1999), compiling a record of 527-211-29, including a 102-11-8 mark in his final four seasons. His teams won 12 national championship titles and were runner-ups five times. » More

4. SUNY Chancellor Visits

State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher visited SUNY Canton in July as part of her summer-long tour of the 64 colleges and universities within the SUNY System. After being met at the College’s entrance by our Roo mascot, the Chancellor was introduced to the evolution and extraordinary growth that has distinguished the College among its peer universities. » More

3. Best Bridge Builders in the Nation

The SUNY Canton American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Steel Bridge Team hit it big in Vegas on Labor Day weekend by building a better bridge than any other college in the nation. The team won the 2009 National Student Steel Bridge Competition by practicing strenuously and beat the odds that favored larger universities with bigger names (and higher tuition.) » More

2. Centennial Campaign Clocks in at $11 Million

The largest and most comprehensive fundraising campaign in SUNY Canton’s 100-year history was successfully concluded after raising $11 million for scholarships and overall college enhancements. To honor Centennial Campaign Co-Chairs Ronald L. ’59 and Blanche K. ‘06 Woodcock, the alumni and foundation boards procured a landmark clock which now adorns the Roselle Academic Courtyard. » More

1. Enrollment Tops the Charts

SUNY Canton smashed its all-time high enrollment record during the Fall 2009 Semester with more than 3,300 students. There was a 20 percent increase in first-year, full-time students, and a 10 percent increase in overall enrollment from the previous year. The expansion has led to increased selectivity in the College’s signature career-driven programs. » More

For the second consecutive year, SUNY Canton has reached an all-time enrollment high. More than 3,300 students are enrolled for the Fall 2009 Semester, topping last year’s previous record of 3,056 students.

First-year, full-time students recorded the largest percentage increase among student categories with a new freshmen class of 972 students. That’s a 20 percent increase from last year’s large incoming class of 810 and a 32 percent increase for the full-time, first-year class of two years ago.

“We are strategically growing our way through the statewide SUNY budget crisis,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “We’ve had a remarkable response to our in-demand, career-oriented degrees, particularly our newest bachelor’s degrees in Nursing and Graphic and Multimedia Design. Students are recognizing the great value of a SUNY Canton education.”

While enrollments are generally up throughout the SUNY system, SUNY Canton’s freshmen increase is likely among the largest. Overall College enrollment as of Wednesday morning was 3,343 students. Prior to last year, the College’s record enrollment was during the 1975-76 academic year when 2,833 students were enrolled.

“We’ve had back-to-back extraordinary recruiting years accompanied by a steady growth of continuing and returning students,” said Director of Admissions Jonathan Kent. “That has also allowed us to increase our selectivity, particularly in our most competitive programs. We denied nearly twice as many applicants this year than last year.”

International and online programs have also seen dramatic growth over the past several years. More than 300 Bosnian students will be taking courses online from the American University of Bosnia-Herzegovina. They are among the total of more than 1,600 new students this year, which includes 211 full-time transfer students.

“As one of the largest businesses in this area, SUNY Canton recognizes its obligation to help the local economy battle through tough economic times,” said Kennedy. “We strive to be a leader in that area. We have the ability to do that by creating desirable, modern, innovative academic programs that attract more students. Those students come to the North Country and make an immediate, significant impact on the area’s businesses.”

The College has experienced dramatic growth over the last several years. Enrollment is up nearly 10 percent from last year, 28 percent from two years ago, and more than 60 percent from the 1998-99 academic year, when there were a total of 2,078 students.

“Our four-day academic week and our online classes are very popular,” added Kent. “They are among the many factors that explain why more and more students are choosing SUNY Canton. This year, we have also welcomed more than 50 former General Motors and Alcoa employees from Massena who are looking to transform or ignite their careers.”

Applications from prospective students increased 22 percent in the last year, 37 percent from two years ago, and were 77 percent higher than the Fall 2000 semester.

Northland Associates of Syracuse, a company that employs and subcontracts numerous local workers, is currently constructing SUNY Canton’s new $41 million athletic facility. The College also plans to begin building a new residence hall within the next year or two. SUNY Canton is expecting to add as many as five new bachelor’s degrees within the next year, including Sports Management, Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology, and Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Technology. Renovations were recently completed on the College’s nursing laboratories, and renovation work is nearly complete in Nevaldine Technology Center, home of the College’s Engineering Technology programs.

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs, as well as three master’s degrees in conjunction with SUNYIT, Utica. Most of SUNY Canton’s new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 100 courses online each semester. The College’s athletic teams belong to the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years. Construction is now underway for the College’s new Convocation, Athletic, and Recreation Center.

The College’s Admissions Office will begin reviewing applications for acceptance immediately for courses beginning in the Fall 2009 Semester. The program will be a natural progression for nursing students that have received their associate degree. The third and fourth years of the program will be available entirely online.

“The approval of this program has been highly anticipated by our students, alumni and members of our nursing community,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “It was created with the convenience and flexibility that is the hallmark of all our online courses and degrees. Registered nurses with associate degrees, many of whom have work and family obligations, will now be able to return to their studies to obtain a bachelor’s degree online.”

The new nursing program is the College’s first bachelor of science degree program and the College’s 16th bachelor’s degree overall. New York State Gov. David A. Patterson signed a master plan amendment that allows the College to offer the bachelor of science degree in addition to its existing bachelor of technology degrees.

“Year after year, we see a tremendous interest and enrollment in our nursing program,” said Nursing Program Director John F. Conklin. “Registered nurses recognize that a bachelor’s degree will help them to advance their careers and prepare them for a broader scope of nursing career options. Often, they can use their employer’s tuition reimbursement programs to subsidize or completely pay for their advanced degree.”

The nursing program typically sees the majority of its students gain successful employment immediately following graduation. The SUNY Canton Office of Career Services indicates that 100 percent of the 2008 graduating class of nurses were either employed or continuing their education within six months of graduating.

“This program seamlessly connects with our two-year degree,” noted Peggy LaFrance, an associate professor of nursing. “Students will continue to learn how to creatively solve complex health related problems, while applying concepts of leadership and management within the nursing profession.”

This program was created in part to help meet the demand for more advanced trained nurses amidst a nation-wide professional health care shortage. Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2020 according to the Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Registered nurses are projected to generate 587,000 new jobs, among the largest number of new jobs for any occupation.

The Bachelor of Science Nursing program is offered exclusively through SUNY Canton OnLine, the highly successful Internet branch of the College. Courses are offered in a partially self-guided, self-paced environment with asynchronous responses, meaning a student can participate in a course almost anytime from anywhere there is a connection to the World Wide Web.

The College also has plans to add an upcoming one-year Licensed Practical Nursing certificate program in the future. The proposal for that program is pending further state approval. When it is approved, students can enter a complete ladder curriculum that will lead them from a one-year certificate to a four-year degree within the nursing program.

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs, as well as three master’s degrees in conjunction with SUNYIT, Utica. Most of SUNY Canton’s new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 100 courses online each semester. The College’s athletic teams belong to the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years.

“This donation helps address the need for highly qualified nurses here in the North Country,” SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy said. “I find it highly fitting, and I’m overjoyed, that a family so closely connected with the college’s history has taken such an active interest in the education of others. There is a tremendous need for scholarship support especially in these troubled economic times.”

In 1910, Robert Thompson graduated as part of the second class of the Agricultural and Technical Institute at Canton, now known as SUNY Canton. His son, Robert Jr., graduated in 1942 with a degree in Agriculture and met his wife Esther (Weatherup), who graduated in 1943 with a degree in Home Economics. Robert and Esther Thompson have 10 children who established a family foundation in their honor. Esther’s cousin Marjorie Rock, a nurse educator and retired Army nurse, felt that providing a nursing scholarship should be pursued and contributed to the foundation to support one at SUNY Canton. Foundation president Ruth McWilliams and treasurer Marilyn Henderson worked with Julie Parkman, Associate Director for Advancement at SUNY Canton, to create it. All inquiries about the scholarship and student eligibility must be directed to Parkman at (315) 386-7127, or email parkman@canton.edu.

“We saw the immediate benefit of this donation when we met the first recipient, Katherine Race, who is a nursing student taking classes and working full-time,” McWilliams said. Race completed a SUNY Canton Physical Therapist Assistant degree in 1998 and is working at United Helpers nursing home.

In order to qualify for the Thompson-Weatherup Family Charitable Foundation Scholarship, applicants must be non-traditional students entering into the Nursing program in the spring semester. Recipients must have prior health care-related experience and wish to remain in St. Lawrence County upon graduation.

The Thompson-Weatherup Family Charitable Foundation is headquartered in Canton and focuses on the sustainable future of people and places in Northern New York.

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs, as well as three master’s degrees in conjunction with SUNYIT, Utica. Most of SUNY Canton’s new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 100 courses online each semester. The college’s athletic teams belong to the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years.

Canton-Potsdam Hospital has donated $25,000 towards the SUNY Canton Nursing program as part of the Maresca Family Challenge. The announcement was made at a press conference on Friday, July 20, at the hospital.

Canton-Potsdam Hospital's Chief of Staff and Chief of Radiology Dr. Michael Maresca, SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy, and Canton Hospital President and CEO David B. Acker hold a $25,000 hospital donation check to the SUNY Canton Foundation as part of the Maresca Challenge.

“We are here for a much larger purpose than a check presentation,” said Canton-Potsdam Hospital President and CEO David B. Acker. “We are brought together by a common concern regarding the critical shortage of nurses in this country and our community. Canton-Potsdam Hospital wants to be an exception in America and have a steady pool of local nurses.”

The Maresca Family Challenge was announced on May 14 by Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s Chief of Staff and Chief of Radiology, Dr. Michael Maresca, and his wife Barbara. The Marescas committed to making a minimum gift of $100,000 to SUNY Canton Foundation to establish the Dr. Michael and Barbara Maresca Family Endowment for Nursing Education.

The Maresca Challenge is designed to create a circle of giving and inspire others to do the same. When Dr. and Mrs. Maresca announced their gift in May, they challenged college alumni, local businesses, community members, and friends to join them in further supporting the educational needs of future nursing students at the college.

“Canton-Potsdam Hospital is the first group to step up and respond to the Maresca Family Challenge,” said SUNY Canton President Dr. Joseph L. Kennedy. “We are deeply grateful for the leadership role they have taken, and I’d like to thank them on behalf of all of our current and future nursing students.”

The Maresca Family Challenge is part of the SUNY Canton Centennial Campaign with hopes to raise a total of $400,000 in support of the Nursing program. In addition to their endowment, the Maresca Family has donated four $1,000 scholarships to nursing students for the 2007-2008 academic year.

“We understand the importance of nurses and are dedicated to investing in students who desire an education,” said Dr. Maresca. “We believe that a nursing career has a tremendous impact on the students, their families, and the overall health of our own community.”

According to Acker, more than half of Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s nurses are SUNY Canton alumni.

Dr. Michael and Barbara Maresca:

Dr. Maresca grew up in Elkton, Md., and attended West Virginia University and then the University of Maryland, School of Medicine. He continued his studies for Diagnostic Radiology at SUNY Health Science Center in Syracuse.

Dr. Maresca is also affiliated with the following New York hospitals: Massena Memorial Hospital, E.J. Noble Hospital, Clifton-Fine Hospital, Cortland Memorial Hospital, Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic, Olean General Hospital, and the Bradford Regional Medical Center in Pennsylvania.

The Marescas moved to Potsdam in 1991. They have two children, Margaret and Michael.

“The Maresca Family Endowment will enable worthy students to attend regardless of their financial background, and it will also assist us in meeting the growing technology needs of our nursing education.” said John Conklin, the Director of SUNY Canton’s Nursing program.